E. Lawrence Carter

Background

E. Lawrence Carter was born on October 10, 1910, in Boston, Massachusetts, United States. He was a son of an Episcopal priest.

Education

Carter attended Virginia Theological Seminary.

Career

In his early career, Carter worked as a reporter for the Washington Daily News, beginning in 1934. Then, he became an account executive at Compton Advertising in New York City. At the end of World War II, E. Lawrence joined the American Red Cross as a field director in the Pacific.

Upon his return to the United States, Carter pursued work in the ministry as an Episcopal clergyman. He worked in the curate in Fitchburg and then in Williamstown, Massachusetts, before becoming a chaplain at the University of California, Los Angeles. Later, between 1958 and 1974, Carter served as a rector at St. John's Cathedral in Los Angeles.

While at St. John's Cathedral in Los Angeles, the neighborhood changed from predominantly white to multiracial. Carter called the new church "metropolitan" and worked with civic leaders from various backgrounds to institute social change. This included closing the church’s bronze front doors in a ceremonious protest against the war in Vietnam.

During his career, Carter also acted as a managing editor of Witness magazine. Moreover, he edited the Episcopal Review for the Los Angeles Episcopal Diocese. In addition, Carter authored the book "Can't You Hear Me Calling?".

Achievements

• E. Lawrence Carter was a prominent journalist, theologian, Episcopal minister and author, who achieved international recognition as an activist, who campaigned for peace during the Vietnam War and worked to help the homeless.
  
  In 1994, an apartment complex in South Central Los Angeles was named the Carter House in his honor. The facility was built by St. John's Cathedral to give permanent housing to mentally impaired homeless people.

Works

• book

  • Cant You Hear Me Calling? 1969

Connections

Carter was married to Katrina Carter. In addition, he was a father of two daughters - Helene Carter Griswold and Louisa Carter, and three stepsons - Lachlan, Stuart and Clarke Murray.

child:

Helene Carter Griswold

child:

Louisa Carter

Wife:

Katrina Carter

stepchild:

Lachlan

stepchild:

Stuart

stepchild:

Clarke Murray